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15 Ways To Explore Paris Like A Local

Paris is arguably the most romantic city in the world; from the quaint cobbled streets to the atmospheric lights, the incredible art and culture, and of course the delicious food and wine.

If you’ve ever wanted to view it through the eyes of a local and visit the city’s best kept secrets, then check out our handy tips below on what to see and do while you’re there.

The most delicious (and affordable) French food cannot be found listed in any guidebook. You must do what the locals do and frequent the small cafés and markets. Rue Cler, Rue Montorgueil and Monge are three of the best markets to visit, where you’ll find a wealth of tasty Parisian eateries including cheese, meat, bread, vegetable and of course, chocolate! Head there early as these are all very popular with the locals and once lunchtime arrives, you’ll often find the freshest food is long gone.

The Latin Quarter is a beautiful spot to visit, and much calmer and less crowded than the well-known attractions. Head deep into the heart to explore the tiny winding streets and quaint cafes which look out into little plazas.

Before you visit any museums, get yourself a Paris Museum Pass. This will allow you to access over 60 museums and monuments all over Paris. A two day pass is just $48, and will pay for itself after just a few visits to the many attractions.

The Louvre is the biggest museum in the world, and can attract big crowds during certain times of the day. To skip the long lines, enter via the side entrance in the Richelieu Wing, just across from where you exit the Louvre-Palais Royale metro. You will need a ticket already, but most people have no idea about this entrance! There is also free admission on Sundays.

A few lesser known museums worth visiting include The Rodin and The Holocaust Museum

If you’re after a fabulous view of the city, but you don’t want to wait until you climb the Eiffel Tower, head over to Montmarte.

L’entree des Artistes is a secret cocktail den you must visit on Rue Victor Masse, with grand doors at the entrance but no sign.

To sample some of the city’s most stylish desserts, head to the pâtisserie of dreams – La Patisserie des Reves – where you’ll find brioches as big as your head!

If you’re a vintage lover, be sure to make a visit to L’oeil du Pélican – you’ll have to rummage before discovering something amazing, but you’ll definitely walk away with a little piece of treasure.

On a sunny day, take a boat ride on The Canal St-Martin, where you can rent a boat (no license needed) soak up the view, and explore the many boutiques, coffee stops, restaurants and wonderful street-art murals once you hit dry land.

Pack a picnic and head to the gardens of the Promenade Plantée – a picturesque elevated walkway upon the old steam engine railway tracks. You’ll be surrounded by beautiful roses, trees and climbing vines along the way.

In the Spring & Summer seasons you can head to the new recreation area where the road between the Musée d’Orsay and the Pont de l’Alma used to be. You’ll find running tracks, floating gardens, sun loungers, playgrounds, volleyball courts, climbing walls, a pop-up disco, a perspex bubble marquee, table tennis, arts and crafts classes, a chillout area with snacks, and outdoor cinema screenings too.

Sainte-Chapelle is a small church near the Notre Dame, which holds one of the biggest and most breath-taking collections of stained glass in the world – over 6,000 square ft of it!